Raiders stung by Hornets

The Raiders were outplayed Friday by the Oroville Hornets in Oroville, losing 45-19.

The loss dropped Lake Roosevelt to one win, two losses in league play and 1-6 overall. This was the fifth loss in which the Raiders were outscored by more than 25 points.

The Raiders started slow and did not get into gear until the second quarter, but by that time Oroville had amassed a good lead and the Raiders could not get back into the game.

The Raider defense was attacked in a different way than the previous week, Head Coach Steve Files noted.

“Oroville ran right at us, whereas Manson mostly threw the ball,” he said. “We need to improve our run defense for sure.”

Oroville also outplayed the Raiders on special teams which has been an issue in other games. “Our coverage teams need to step it up,” Files said.

But halfback Kyle Holt had a great game for the Raiders, Files noted.

“Kyle Holt ran very hard and effectively. I thought it was his best offensive game so far.”

The Raiders move on to face the Mountain Lions at Liberty Bell this Friday at 7 p.m. The Mt. Lions had a bye last week and will be rested and well prepared for the Raiders, but Files is confident.

“Liberty Bell has some good speed and a running QB,” he noted. “We have our work cut out, but expect to give them some problems with our attack as well.”

The loss leaves the Raiders in fifth place in the Central Washington 2B, but they could still make playoffs if they win out.

Three teams will go to playoffs from the CWL, and the Raiders will play the two squads tied for the last playoff berth in the next two weeks, Liberty Bell and White Swan.

So, if the Raiders can gain some steam and go on a three-game win streak, they could find themselves in a first-round playoff game at Colfax, Reardan, or Tekoa-Oakesdale/Rosalia.

Central Washington 2B Standings League Overall

Kittitas Coyotes 4-0 4-2

Oroville Hornets 3-1 4-3

Liberty Bell Mt. Lions 2-1 2-4

White Swan Cougars 2-1 5-2

LAKE ROOSEVELT 1-2 1-6

Manson Trojans 0-4 0-6

Bridgeport Mustangs 0-3 0-7